Impacted CaninesSurgical TreatmentJust like wisdom teeth, your canines can become impacted to the point of needing surgery to correct the issue. They’re usually the last adult teeth to come in, and as a result are sometimes prone to difficulty relating to dental crowding and a general lack of mouth space. This is especially common when the first set of teeth decide to stick around. Unlike wisdom teeth, which are generally not necessary and can simply be extracted, your canines play a vital role in many important functions including biting, speech, and dental arch support. Because of this, rather than simple extraction, your impacted canines require more specific surgery to realign them into a proper position with the rest of your teeth. How we treat impacted canine teeth here at Dallas Oral Surgery depends on the severity and development of impaction. The earlier the impact is detected, the better. If the patient is younger, we can speed along the tooth’s appropriate alignment by removing baby teeth that are in the way of the canines. If the misalignment is slight, we can use orthodontic devices like braces to gradually better align the tooth. It’s only when a tooth has serious impaction issues or is jeopardizing nearby teeth, that we have to resort to surgery. During this process, the oral surgeon will expose the impacted tooth and place a small orthopedic device that includes a chain on the tooth that will help the orthodontist to guide it into its correct place. Sometime shortly after surgery, the patient will return to our office and a rubber band will be attached to the chain to put a slight pulling force on the impacted tooth. This begins the process of moving the tooth into its correct position in the dental arch with the goal of causing the tooth to erupt on its own and avoid the need for extraction. Because teeth position and severity of impaction can vary so much between patients, we offer different treatment options depending on the individual. Following your surgery, you may have some slight bleeding until things in your mouth settle down. It’s okay to use over the counter pain medications for any discomfort you feel during this time. You can do a variety of other things to help things along until you feel better. This includes using ice packs for swelling, eating bland and soft foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Also, don’t forget to visit your team at Dallas Oral Surgery within two weeks of surgery for your follow up appointment. A better smile, better bite function, and the removal of pain from your impacted tooth are just some of the benefits of surgical or orthodontic treatment from Dallas Oral Surgery for your impacted canines. If you think you or a family member may have an impacted canine tooth, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us right away. An evaluation from Dallas Oral Surgery at our Walnut Hill or Willow Bend offices can easily be scheduled by calling 214-363-9946 today. |
